Sébastien
If or whether? Can someone please explain to me the right way to use ''if'' and ''whether''? For instance, is this sentence correct: ''I'm not absolutely sure whether I'm sitting in the second class car''
Sep 1, 2018 4:28 PM
Answers · 6
2
The word "whether" should be used to introduce an indirect question. For example, "Tell me WHETHER you are considering our plans". You are indirectly asking, "Are you considering our plans?" "Whether" can also be used in place of "in case". For example, "Whether it rains or snows, the roads become very slippery". In case it rains or snows, the roads become very slippery. As with your example, the word "whether" can be used as "if" when it is FOLLOWED by a choice or alternative 'I'm not absolutely sure whether I'm sitting in the second OR the first class car''. Notice the word "OR". Another example might be, "I'm not sure whether I should order the chicken OR the beef". With your sentence, you can say, "I'm not absolutely sure whether I'm sitting in the second OR the first class car''. or I'm not sure IF I'm sitting in the second class car'. Hope this helps.
September 1, 2018
2
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/if-or-whether They both are correct in your sentence, but there may be some regional preferences. Follow the link above, the examples when the two are not interchangeable are mentioned there.
September 1, 2018
Maybe I'm wrong but I think the both ways are correct [emoji] 'Wether' or 'If'
September 1, 2018
Maybe I'm wrong but I think the both ways are correct [emoji] 'Wether' or 'If'
September 1, 2018
Maybe I'm wrong but I think the both ways are correct [emoji] 'Wether' or 'If'
September 1, 2018
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Sébastien
Language Skills
Arabic, Arabic (Levantine), Arabic (Modern Standard), English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Learning Language
Arabic, Arabic (Levantine), Arabic (Modern Standard)